Bowman Gray Racing: A Guide to the Madhouse

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Welcome to Bowman Gray Stadium, affectingly known as “The Madhouse,” where the sound of screaming fans and roaring engines have been heard since 1949. As NASCAR's very first weekly track, the legendary quarter-mile near downtown Winston-Salem is among the most iconic tracks in the nation. Each Saturday night in spring and summer, thousands of fans pack the stadium to experience the most exciting racing found anywhere. 

This year will mark the 77th season of racing at the stadium, and it's never too early to start planning a trip. Here's what to know about attending a race in 2025.

Why is Bowman Gray such a big deal? It's a great question. After all, how does a small, quarter-mile track in Winston-Salem become an icon in a sport known for huge tracks and wide-open racing? The answer is a combination of several things, starting with it's unique size. (It's literally a race track wrapped around a football field), which equates to great views for fans.  But it's much more than that. It’s the history, the drama, the families, and the personalities. It’s seating so close, fans can seemingly reach out and slap cars as they soar by. It’s non-stop, tight-quarters, hair-blazing action — all at an ultra-low price. A recent article in The Athletic might've said it best:

Bowman Gray continues to offer something money can't buy: Authenticity. Other tracks have tried to copy the formula, but none have perfected the art of entertainment like the Madhouse. It's where NASCAR began, it's grassroots, and it's an experience you won't forget." 

When are races typically held?  The 77th season of racing at Bowman Gray Stadium (BGS) will be held from late April 2025 to late August 2025. Details and dates haven't been posted but should be available soon on Bowman Gray Racing's homepage. All races are Saturday evenings. Gates open at 6 p.m., and races begin at 8 p.m., though times/dates are subject to change due to weather.

Where is the racetrack? Bowman Gray is a mile southeast of downtown Winston-Salem at 1250 S. Martin Luther King Jr Drive. (See it in Google Maps here.) The track is adjacent to the Winston-Salem State University campus and surrounds the team's football field. 

What's new for the 2025 season? The stadium is getting several major upgrades ahead of NASCAR's Clash event in February 2025. This includes a new state-of-the-art LED lighting system that will improve track visibility for both drivers and fans while reducing energy consumption. The track will also get a safer barrier and new catch fences, which are customary at every NASCAR National Series racetrack.

How do I get tickets (and much are they)? Tickets are $12 adults, $2 kids (ages 6-11), and free for kids 5 and under. Tickets are sold ahead of time on the Bowman Gray website and on race nights at the BGS entry gates. One big thing to note: In years past, tickets sold at the gate are cash only (no cards), though this could change before the start of the 2025 season. If you're short on cash, know that ATMs are available at each entry gate.

What is parking like? Parking is free. Signage will help guide you to designated lots, all of which are well-lit and staffed by security. Handicap parking is also available. See more parking details online here.

Where should I sit? There's no "good" or "bad" spot to sit here — every seat in the house is great — though know that alcohol is only sold in the Beer Garden area near Turn One. (You must be 21 to enter the Beer Garden.) All seating is general admission (lawn chairs aren't permitted), and fans can generally sit where they please. 

What are the food/drink options? Concessions are available throughout the stadium, but fans can also bring in coolers with their favorite snacks and drinks. Note that no glass or outside alcohol can be brought in, though beer is available for purchase inside.

What else should I bring (besides a cooler)? Earplugs or headphones are a good idea, especially if you've got little ones. Luckily free earplugs are offered to guests inside the stadium, but we prefer to bring our own. Remember the races are loud. (Like, LOUD.)  While adults should be OK with the decibels, little ears might not be.

What races will I see? Unless otherwise listed, each race night features four classes of competition: Sportsman, Stadium Stock, Street Stock, and — of course — the Modifieds. Many races also feature a "bonus" event to end the night, ranging from Demolition Derbys to Chain Races. 

Stadium Stock, Street Stock, Sportsman ... what's the difference? As noted above, each week features four classes of competition. While Modifieds remain the big draw, there's plenty of other action. Here's a quick summary of the four racing divisions you'll see every Saturday night:

• The Sportsman Division includes selected late-model cars which must remain stock in appearance. Unmodified eight-cylinder "crate motors" are used in this class. (The Sportsman races are second only to Modified races in terms of popularity.)
• The Street Stock Division is similar to the Sportsman Division, though the cars have smaller carburetors and also weigh more than Sportsman cars.
• The Stadium Stock Division is open to foreign and domestic cars as well as mini-trucks with stock bodies and four-cylinder engines. Only minor engine and chassis modifications are allowed. The minimum allowed weight is 1,800 lbs.
• Modifieds have been the big draw at Bowman Gray since racing began in 1949. To this days, they're the most potent cars sanctioned by NASCAR. With their lightweight frames and supreme horsepower, Modifieds have a remarkable speed/agility combination. Part of that agility comes from their unique open-wheel design and low-to-the-ground profile, as Modifieds sit a mere 2 inches off the ground. Add in engines that reach up to 650 horsepower, and you get a racecar that one driver described as "a rocket ship on wheels."

GUIDE TO THE CLASH: For more details on NASCAR's season-opening event happening Feb. 1-2, check out our Clash homepage devoted to all things Clash.